Here’s a photo of Reese Witherspoon taken last Christmas (December 2009). She was spotted having coffee with some friends… probably catching up and talking about her recent break-up?

Reese Witherspoon wears a crossbody for coffee

Dressed down in sweater and jeans paired with a classic brown crossbody, Reese looks just like the pretty girl from next door. And with that smile on her face, you wouldn’t think she had just broken with Jake Gyllenhaal. But then again, we all know she was the one who broke it off. Poor Jake, he must be really torn until now. I heard he’s licking his wounds by spending time being an uncle to his sister’s (Maggie Gyllenhaal) kids.

Back to Reese, that brown crossbody on her, pretty much looks like a classic. Some are speculating that it’s a Linea Pelle. However, after checking the designer’s website, I couldn’t find one similar to what Reese is wearing in the picture. So either that bag is very old (from Linea Pelle’s really old collection), or it is very new (a sample from Linea Pelle’s new collection, perhaps?). OR, it could be that the speculation is all wrong and that bag is made by another brand.

Whatever it is, it looks like the kind that can last in your closet for decades (provided it is of good quality and you take great care of it, of course). The basic color and shape of the bag are the things that make it a classic. Much like black, the brown color is also easy to pair with. That’s why every girl should have at least one brown bag in her closet. The same applies for shoes.

The messenger/crossbody style also makes this bag versatile and easy to wear. The coffee shop is not the only place where you can wear such an accessory; you can take this bag to work, to school, to the mall, to the grocery store, to the market, or to the airport. Wherever you may take it, this bag will easily fit right in.

If you don’t have a classic brown crossbody yet, here are a few suggestions that might interest you:

David King Leather 187 Vertical Laptop Messenger, US$92

Ellington Hollister Satchel, on sale for US$115 at Bagsbuy.com

Mullholland Messenger Bag All Leather, US$485

Bedstu Guarner, US$94

If you’re not satisfied with any of the suggestions, visit Zappos.com or Bagsbuy.com for more styles. Both sites offer FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the US, and they usually have items on discount in case you’re on a budget.

At first glance, the Ellington Ramoli Satchel appears to sport a dead-serious look, but if you examine it longer, your eyes will feast upon its fabulously distinctive details of translucent glaze and an extra dose of personality. The striking, purple finish of its leather upper is further complimented with orange contrasts on the straps, adding a fun side to it. Featuring a cross-body strap with 14” – 24” shoulder drop, you could wear it comfortably around your body while keeping your hands free.

This carry it all, cross body travel bag has its main compartment covered by a full flap secured by adjustable straps. Not to worry about keeping your personal items organized because this bag has its generous spaciousness parted by a center divider and houses a zip pocket and two slip pockets. While its external features of perfectly hued, textured leather and clean lines makes it for a refined choice, the striped denim lining on its interior adds that lively, fun side to it!E

Ellington Ramoli Satchel Cross Body Messenger

Available at Bagsbuy